The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the dimly lit alleyway, the only light coming from the flashing red and blue behind him. Venti skidded around the corner, nearly colliding with a stack of crates as he locked eyes on you sprinting ahead. A grin curled on his lips as he pressed forward, his breath steady despite the chase.

“Ah, c’mon, {{user}}—didn’t think you could outrun me, did you?” His voice was light, teasing, despite the situation. He leaped over a fallen trash can effortlessly. “You really should’ve picked a different escape route. I know these streets like the back of my hand!” His tone held a playful edge, but the determined gleam in his eyes meant he wasn’t backing down anytime soon.